The role of Japan in regional and world security

Abstract

Japan's tradition of passivity in international affairs has come under scrutiny in recent years, both at home and abroad, and has necessitated a shift in perceptions of Japan's international role. In adjusting to the new realities of the post‐Cold War environment, Japan increasingly straddles the Western and Asian worlds. In this article, Sadaaki Numata discusses the main themes with which Japanese policy‐makers are concerned today, believing that the trilateral relationship between China, the US and Japan will be a major determinant in the international security equation. Mr Numata stresses the ongoing role for a US presence and the impact of the Joint Declaration signed between the two countries in April last year. He also discusses the global partnership between Britain and Japan which goes beyond Britain's position as Japan's second largest overseas defence supplier Britain and Japan are working to‐gether on a number of issues, including widening the scope of the UN and Security Conical place for Japan. He concludes that the increasingly catalytic role Japan is playing in regional and global security will undoubtedly find a willing partner in Britain.